Xbox Console Launch Delayed

Redmond, Wash. - Following in the pattern of the Playstation2 and GameCube, the launch date of the Xbox video game console has been pushed back to Nov. 15, one week later than its original Nov. 8 target date, Microsoft announced.

The computer software giant, which is venturing for the first time into the dedicated video game console market, did not issue a reason for the delay, but said it began production of the game system in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sept. 21, 2001.

It is believed that Microsoft experienced production problems and needed more time to produce the 600,000 to 800,000 units it said it would supply for the launch.

In a formal press release to announce the start of production, Microsoft quoted Sega of America president Peter Moore, whose company will produce game titles for the player, saying, "Microsoft has recognized that the road to success is more of a marathon than a sprint."

Microsoft plans to ship 1 million to 1.5 million Xbox consoles to North American retailers by the holiday selling season, with a replenishment plan calling for weekly shipments of 100,000 Xbox units from launch.

The company said that it also expects to have between 15 and 20 game titles available at launch.

Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer at Microsoft, said that because the product is being manufactured in Mexico, "it assures retailers that we can keep filling the retail channel with new Xbox units week after week."